Robert R. Leiner, a senior at Carrollton High School, was the first person to “cut the ice” this year, he said.

The 17-year-old, along with as many as eight of his friends, has been riding more than two miles to the park on a bicycles during winter break. He said he wishes he could be part of a hockey team but “can’t afford it.”

“It’s too expensive for pads,” Leiner said. “Then it costs $700 for the team — if you even make the team.”

So in the meantime, Leiner uses the park to practice his shooting and puck handling, and that’s what DeGuise hopes to see more often. DeGuise said he wants ice-sports enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoor rink in the park this winter, much like he did in his childhood.